HEALTH AND MEDICINE

Eye Strain

What is Eye Strain?

Eye strain is the discomfort experienced when you focus for prolonged periodsthat causes your eyes and the eye muscles to tire and become over-used. Your eyes are designed to shift focus between near and distant objects. However, most of our work and recreational tasks have been executed at close proximity.

Visual tasks such as reading, spending hours at the computer or watching television require you to focus and concentrate – and without you realizing it, you are actually placing strain on your eye muscles. The eye muscles tighten and cause your eyes to become dry, irritated and uncomfortable.

Diagnosing Eye Strain

If your eyes are strained or you are sensitive to light, you should visit an optician for an eye examination. Having your vision tested will also rule out any eye disorders and verify whether you need prescription spectacles or contact lenses.

Signs and Symptoms of Eye Strain 

• Headaches or Migraines
• Fatigue
• Vertigo and Dizziness
• Pain in the Eye
• Red, Watery Eyes
• Blurred or Double Vision
• Dry eyes that feel scratchy
• Burning sensation when you close your eyes
• Neck aches
• Back aches
• Aching heaviness of the eyelids or forehead, especially around the eyebrows
• Muscle spasm in the muscles surrounding the eyes
• Twitch in the eyelid

Eye strain symptoms will not be present when you wake up in the morning nor be accompanied by ultra-sensitivity to light. Eye strain symptoms also tend to worsen when visual tasks like reading are performed. Eye strain caused by computers has become exceedingly common and today eye strain affects mostly computer users.

More than 50% of computer users complain of eye strain symptoms. They stare at a screen for hours a day, usually in one position. People who read a lot, watch television for long periods, spend time outdoors in the glaring sun or drive long distances are also at risk of developing eye strain symptoms .

What Causes Eye Strain?